42

I slammed the door shut to my home, tears were rolling down my face. My parents are actually leaving me behind, not caring that I could be killed whenever.

I released a shaky breath, well, screw them. I threw my purse onto the couch and took my jacket off, mentally cursing my parents out.

"Well, you're upset about something."

I jumped and spun around to see Stefano laying on my couch, his grey eyes watching me.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I gaped.

"Your window was unlocked and-

"No, I don't care about that! You're supposed to be resting!" I scolded.

He raised an eyebrow, "I'm on painkillers, I don't feel a thing right now. But I didn't see you when I woke up and Hank had no idea where you went, so, I came here. Nice place, by the way."

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose, "You're going to make your injuries worse."

"Oh well." He sighed.

He got off the couch and walked into my kitchen, I frowned at the slight limp to his step. I then folded my arms across my chest and watched him.

"Not feeling anything, huh?" I mused.

He frowned as he looked at me, fake confusion was plastered on his face. I have to say, this man is an expert at lying. Well, he would be if I didn't know how to read him.

"You're limping, Stefano. You're hurting." I pointed out.

He sighed in defeat, "I wanted to make sure you were okay. By the dried tear tracks on your face, I'm assuming you're not. Unless...those tears are for me?" He teased.

I chuckled, "Actually, they're for my parents who are handing the mafia over to me. The best part is, they're moving to Hawaii so they can stay safe."

"And they're leaving you here, without any protection?"

"I guess so. I don't know any of my father's men."

He frowned, "Then why did you accept?"

"Because I didn't want to marry Angelo." I grumbled.

A flash of anger shined in his eyes as he walked over to me. He gently grabbed my jaw and made me look at him.

"I can protect you." He whispered with a small smile.

"But that means you're living in my house." He said, letting go and taking a seat.

I bit the inside of my cheek, "What if Angelo follows me?"

"Then I'll take care of him. You are going to learn how to shoot a gun though."

I nodded silently, not knowing what to do. I don't even think I can trust Stefano, but out of all these people, he's the only one I know. Excluding Angelo, I just hate that idiot.

I clasped my hands together, as of right now, Stefano is my safest choice.

I finished packing my bags and started dragging them downstairs. Stefano trailed behind me, paler than usual and limping even more. I clenched my jaw, preventing myself from scolding him again.

He continued to argue with me, wanting to carry some of the bags, but I wasn't allowing it. He picked up one bag and immediately dropped it, panting as immense pain had run up his arm.

I threw the bags into the SUV before climbing in, feeling slightly awkward next to Stefano.

I don't know why, but I've been feeling butterflies in my stomach when I was near him. I'm suddenly nervous around him, frightened of saying the wrong thing and embarrassing myself.

"Are you okay?"

I snapped my eyes to him, swallowing down the anxiety that was growing in my chest.

"Yes, why?" I squeaked.

He raised an eyebrow, "You seem nervous. I'm not going to hurt you...you know?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words died on my tongue. I released a breath, quickly looking away. I could feel the shift in the atmosphere, the tension blossoming between us.

I didn't want him thinking I was afraid of him, because I'm not. I feel safer being beside him, but I was extremely jumpy.

"I'm not afraid of you." I finally managed to say.

He didn't answer, he just looked at me with an intense look before looking away. It became silent in the car, neither one of us having anything to say.

I fidgeted slightly in my seat, my began to wander as the silence continued settling around us.

Now that I know Damon is, in fact, Stefano, it's strange. As Damon, he put on an act of a cheerful guy. Someone who was finally reaching his goal and becoming a rich CEO. However, Stefano, the real Stefano was quiet. He was cold, calculating, and stubborn. Just from the past forty-eight hours I could see the drastic changes.

He went from flirtatious, happy, and carefree to business like, quiet, and emotionaless. Questions about his past swarmed in my head, my mind screamed at me to give a voice to those questions. But I remained quiet, afraid of upsetting him.

I know that he's unpredictable, he has proven that just today. I remembered someone telling me that Stefano De Rege always gets what he wants. If he wants me dead, then I'll be dead.

Stop thinking he's going to kill you. I scolded myself.

I impatiently tapped my nails against the seat and chewed on my bottom lip. My thoughts causing fear to run through me.

When the car came to a stop in front of his house, he grabbed my shoulder. I gulped at the cold look in his eyes.

"I have rules." He stated.

"Do not go into my office, unless I allow you to. Do not touch my phone, computer, or files. Stay out of my bedroom. If you are hurt, let Hank know. And finally, stay out of my way while I'm working." He growled.

My eyes widened, I should add mood swings onto my description of Stefano.

I quickly nodded, "Yes, sir."

He stiffened, "You can call me Stefano."

"Oh...okay."

As we walked towards the house he seemed deep in thought. A tortured look washed over his features, but I didn't say anything. That look never left as he opened his door for me, softly closing it behind him.

"Uh, Hank will show you to your room." He mumbled, scratching the back of his head.

I nodded quietly, still stunned by the sudden shift in his mood. As I went to find Hank, Stefano suddenly stopped walking away.

"I'm sorry." He said, his voice cracking a bit.

"I just forget how to..." he trailed off, running his hand through his hair.

"I understand." I rushed out.

Sort of.

He gave me a thankful look before disappearing down the hall. I shook my head, I have to find a way to understand Stefano De Rege.